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NeXtMidas 1.8.X Release Notes

This is the last release that is compatible with Java versions earlier than Java 1.4.
All future releases will require Java version 1.4 (or later) to build and run.
Tested on:
 Platform   OS Version   JDK   Browser   DLLs 
Linux RedHat 9.0 1.4.2 Mozilla 1.4 (n/a)
RedHat Enterprise Linux 3 (WS) 1.4.2 Netscape 4.76
Mozilla 1.4
(n/a)
Sun/SPARC Solaris 8 1.4.2 Netscape 4.76
Mozilla 1.4
(n/a)
Tru64 Tru64 UNIX 5.1B 1.4.2 Netscape 4.76 (n/a)
Windows Windows 2000 1.4.2 Netscape 4.76 DLL's built with cygwin (gcc 2.95.2-6)
Windows XP Professional (SP1) 1.4.2 Netscape 7.1
Internet Explorer 6.0
Pre-built DLL's used

Online Documentation

  • Via Web Browser: $NMROOT/htdocs/help/index.html
  • NeXtMidas Shell: Run HELP/GUI

What Might Break

  • GCONTROL / GDialog -- Signature changed to support more flexible button names and control. (See HELP gcontrol)
  • QUERY -- Command signature has changed. (see New Features)
  • SEDIT -- (see New Features)
  • GCONTROL Button -- When a button group is not given a default item to be displayed as selected, this previously resulted in state never being displayed (selected button displayed as pressed). Now, regardless of whether or not a default item is indicated, the behavior of the buttons is that they will show state. If this is not the desired behavior, you must now use the /NOSTATE switch, or indicate NOSTATE in the FLAGS switch. (see New Features)
  • Constants -- The values for the following constants have been revised to match those published in the third edition of WGS 84 (NIMA TR8350.2):
      EARTH_ECCENTRICITY                -- Added precision.
    EARTH_GRAV_CONSTANT_W_ATMOS -- Revised.
    EARTH_GRAV_CONSTANT_W_ATMOS_ORIG -- NEW (old EARTH_GRAV_CONSTANT_W_ATMOS).
    EARTH_GRAV_CONSTANT_WO_ATMOS -- Revised.
    EARTH_GRAV_CONSTANT_WO_ATMOS_ORIG -- NEW (old EARTH_GRAV_CONSTANT_WO_ATMOS).
    (For more information run HELP/GUI and search for "revised WGS 84".)
  • RESULTS -- Result names that use special non-alphanumeric characters (such as '-') may cause problems.
  • Java Classes -- In Java 1.4.0 and Java 5.0 Sun Microsystems added the keywords assert and enum to the Java language. Any classes, methods or variables named assert or enum must be renamed. (See http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.5.0/compatibility.html for details.)

New Features Added

  • Support for plotting image data from NGA (National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency). Makes use of unaltered OpenmapTM JAR file.
  • Support for eXtra long (64-bit) integer (X:) results. (see HELP RESULTS)
  • Library support for MFTP, the Midas File Transfer Protocol.
  • Improved JavaDoc documentation of Java source code in the SYS option tree.
  • QUERY -- Command enhanced to show method signatures. See HELP QUERY for more details.
  • SEDIT -- Command enhancements:
    • Added ability to perform multiple operations per line.
    • Added NELEM function (see HELP SEDIT).
  • LIST -- Command enhancements:
    • Added the ability to be pushed to and popped from the graphics panel with the CTRL-P hotkeys. (This has always been a feature of the PLOT command.)
    • Added ability to use SHIFT key to make multi-cell selections.
  • IMPORTENV -- Command added to extract environment variables. (Unix Only)
  • INVOKE -- Improvements to handle more complex arguments.
  • PLOT -- Added the ability to export the plot as an image file.
  • HELP -- Improvements to the HELP/GUI system including the ability to perform searches. (Unix Only)
  • New look to roll-down labels uses shading instead of bars. (Since NeXtMidas 1.8.1)

Coming Attractions

  • Ability to run X-Midas commands from NeXtMidas shell.
  • Ability to write macros that work as servlets.
  • Further improvements to the online help system.
  • Further improvements to the JavaDoc documentation of Java source code in the SYS option tree.
  • Improved NeXtMidas User's Guide.
  • Reductions in the memory footprint.

Known Issues

  • UNITS -- File units for LATITUDE, LONGITUDE and ALTITUDE are different from X-Midas.
  • GCONTROL -- Closing a panel may result in Java issuing a NullPointerException.
  • GCONTROL -- Behavior of BUTTON is incorrect when given a initial value that does not match a button.
  • FORALL   -- The FORALL confidence test may fail on Windows if the user's AUX directory is not on the C: drive.
  • CALL     -- Results parameters are not properly passed when a macro calls a SUBROUTINE.
  • PYTHON   -- Python does not run properly on some Tru64 systems.
  • IF       -- File equality tests FEQ/H and FEQ do not properly compare subrecord entries.
  • DataFile -- IEEE file headers for Type 3000/5000 files not read properly on EEEI systems (and vice versa).
  • DataFile -- Set data methods do not properly write data to IEEE files on EEEI systems (and vice versa).

Bugs Fixed

Bug fixes are listed in order of Bug/DR number. The list of "Files Modified" is intended as a guide and may or may not be complete.

Bugs Fixed in 1.8.2:
Bug Num Files Modified Description
501659-3 nxm.sys.intr.Call.java
nxm.sys.test.test_config.tbl
nxm.sys.test.test_subroutine.java
nxm.sys.test.test_call.java
Calling a SUBROUTINE does not work as it did in the past.
  - Access to the REGISTRY differs from NeXtMidas 1.7.3.
  - Reverted to functionality of NeXtMidas 1.7.3.
508278-1 nxm.sys.libg.Layer2D.java
nxm.sys.exp.plot.exp
nxm.sys.test.test_plot.mm
nxm.sys.test.test_plot_lps.mm
nxm.sys.test.test_plot_lps.mmp1
Plots do not work with /LPS=1.
509178-1 nxm.sys.prim.plot.java
nxm.sys.libg.MPlot.java
nxm.sys.exp.plot.exp
Need on-axis readout in plot.
  - Default readout on title and on axis if NOT in macro.
509628-1 nxm.sys.libg.MPlot.java Delta Lat/Lon reversed on readout.
509787-1 nxm.sys.lib.Time.java
nxm.sys.test.test_timex.mm
Time.getSoD(..) returns incorrect value.
509795-1 nxm.sys.exp.files.exp FILES can return duplicates if two AUX's point to same location.
  - Explain file notes this behavior.
Bugs Fixed in 1.8.1:
Bug Num Files Modified Description
500643-7 nxm.sys.libg.MPlot.java
nxm.sys.libg.View.java
Plot fails to wrap ellipses.
501659-3 nxm.sys.intr.Shell.java
nxm.sys.test.test_config.tbl
nxm.sys.test.test_subroutine.java
nxm.sys.test.test_call.java
Calling a SUBROUTINE does not work as it did in the past.
 - Access to the REGISTRY differs from NeXtMidas 1.7.3.
 - Reverted to functionality of NeXtMidas 1.7.3.
503641-1 nxm.sys.libg.GMenu.java
nxm.sys.libg.MPlot.java
nxm.sys.prim.plot.java
nxm.sys.test.dr503641-1.mm
nxm.sys.test.dr503641-1.mmp
Plot needs a LEGEND switch and dynamic update.
506012-1 nxm.sys.libg.GDialog.java
nxm.sys.libg.GLabel.java
nxm.sys.libg.GMenu.java
nxm.sys.libg.GPanel.java
nxm.sys.libg.GPipeMonitor.java
nxm.sys.libg.GPrompt.java
nxm.sys.libg.GValue.java
nxm.sys.libg.MColor.java
nxm.sys.libg.MWindow.java
nxm.sys.libg.Theme.java
nxm.sys.prim.panel.java
Enhanced look of label roll downs to use shading instead of bars.
506539-1 nxm.sys.libg.GridSheet.java LIST: Unable to select rows when AUTOSELECT=FALSE.
506542-1 nxm.sys.intr.Foreach.java
nxm.sys.test.test_foreach.mm
nxm.sys.exp.foreach.exp
Need ability to iterate over KeyVectors like the REG.PLOT.LAYERS.
506543-1 nxm.sys.mcr.make.mm MAKE does not call the BUILDOPT macro when building an option tree.
507351-1 nxm.sys.lib.Shell.java Applets fail to run on Windows due to security exceptions on startup.
 - Work-around implemented in Shell.java.
n/a nxm.sys.mcr.sd360.mm Removed deprecated use of GDIALOG control graphic.
n/a nxm.sys.test.test_timer.mm Fixed check for time to be >= instead of >.
n/a htdocs.shell.jnlp
htdocs.demo.jnlp
Changed links in Java WebStart to use new server.
n/a nxm.sys.intr.Help.java
nxm.sys.docs.NeXtMidasUsersGuide.html
Added NeXtMidas User's Guide to Online Help.
 - Accessable via a web browser at
   "$NMROOT/nxm/sys/docs/NeXtMidasUsersGuide.html"
 - Preliminary version of document, final version will
   be included with future release.
n/a nxm.sys.docs.InstallationGuide.html Added NeXtMidas Installation Guide to the docs area.
 - Accessable via a web browser at
   "$NMROOT/nxm/sys/docs/InstallationGuide.htm"

Bugs Fixed in 1.8.0:
Bug Num Files Modified Description
 11185-3 nxm.sys.prim.list.java
nxm.sys.libg.GridSheet.java
List needs to support the PUSH/POP function
 12074-3   Issues with Map.
NIMA image support added.
 13169-4   Need a way to extract timecode from a zoom on a plot.
 13498-3   List primitive problems.
 13520-1 nxm.sys.cfg.keystore
nxm.sys.intr.Generate.java
HRT: Need to run NeXtMidas from a JAR file.
 14988-4 nxm.sys.libg.MFrame.java Garbage collector behavior needs to be understood.
Used a profiler to fix DR 504030-1.
 15182-4   RMIF problems with MULTI type channel options.
 15470-3   Change to MPLOT for Lat/Lon.
 15773-4 nxm.sys.exp.remove.exp
nxm.sys.intr.Remove.java
REMOVE does not work with wildcards.
 15782-3   PLOT/MPLOT setting and getting X1 or X2 is inconsistant.
500002-4   Keyword using wrong method for adding .key keywords.
500015-1   PLOT shortcomings.
500017-4   Plots revert to initial values when they shouldn't.
500044-3 nxm.sys.libg.Symbols.java
nxm.sys.libg.Line.java
Change symbol in plot.
500065-4 nxm.sys.exp.gcontrol.exp
nxm.sys.test.test_gcontrol.mm
nxm.sys.libg.GDialog.java
nxm.sys.intr.Gcontrol.java
DIALOG box needs to be extended.
500097-4 nxm.sys.lib.Results.java
nxm.sys.test.benchmark.mm
nxm.sys.test.test_results.mm
Can create invalid result names.
500129-4 nxm.sys.docs.ReleaseNotes180.html
nxm.sys.lib.Convert.java
nxm.sys.lib.Data.java
nxm.sys.test.test_convert.mm
nxm.sys.test.test_get.mm
nxm.sys.test.vax_master.prm
CONVERT: problem from eeei2vax and ieee2vax.
A signed shift (>>) was used where an unsigned shift (>>>) was needed.
Also had to regenerate VAX master files.
500142-4 nxm.sys.lib.Table.java
nxm.sys.test.test_results.mm
Need to indicate when Tables are malformed 
500204-1 nxm.sys.libg.GDialog.java GCONTROL Dialog children need control over messages.
500209-3   Using FID in macro causes EXCEPTIONS.
500330-7 nxm.sys.prim.convert.java
nxm.lib.TextFile.java
Problem converting large XML to tables and large tables to XML.
Fix XML to Table conversion to NOT pack TAG=VAL pairs on cosecutive reads.
Fix write method to handle strings > 4096
500332-7   Call routine not returning error on bad input.
500334-7 nxm.sys.prim.panel.java Macro window exit message not sent so macro may close gracefully.
500916-3 nxm.sys.test.test_convert.mm
nxm.sys.test.tbl2b_master.prm
nxm.sys.prim.convert.java
nxm.sys.lib.DataFile.java
CONVERT has a bug in FORM string parsing.
500984-3 nxm.sys.libg.GridSheet.java ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException occurs when calling getSelectedRowData() after closing a file.
501241-3 nxm.sys.prim.textdisplay.java TEXTDISPLAY uses 100% of CPU
Process method changed to return NOOP.
501336-1 nxm.sys.inc.DataTypes.java
nxm.sys.lib.Convert.java
nxm.sys.lib.Data.java
nxm.sys.lib.Results.java
nxm.sys.test.test_results.mm
Results are allowed to be set with invalid types.
501358-1 nxm.sys.exp.plot.exp Use of '~' character is confusing.
Added comments on use of '~' character in menus and MENU usage in general.
501366-1 nxm.sys.cfg.commands.cnf
nxm.sys.docs.ReleaseNotes170.html
nxm.sys.exp.query.exp
nxm.sys.intr.Query.java
nxm.sys.lib.NTerminal.java
nxm.sys.lib.Terminal.java
Enhance to reduce output.
501479-1 nxm.sys.test.test_importenv.mm
nxm.sys.prim.importenv.java
nxm.sys.exp.importenv.exp
nxm.sys.cfg.commands.cnf
Import/Export Unix environment variables.

Partially Implemented: Import is implemented, export is in development.
501583-1   NXM161B1: Scott Z (salem) widget and panel DR's.
501603-1 nxm.sys.libg.GText.java WINDOWS GTEXT color not visible.
501804-1   NXM161B2: Gdialog problem accessing widgets table.
502145-1 nxm.sys.docs.ReleaseNotes161.html
nxm.sys.net.datagramdata.java
nxm.sys.prim.sourcedg.java
NXM161B2: Sourcedg enhancements/improvments.
502312-1 nxm.sys.exp.history.exp
nxm.sys.intr.History.java
nxm.sys.test.test_history.mm
History is backwards and case sensitive.
502368-1 nxm.sys.lib.KeyObject.java KeyObject limit.
502426-1 nxm.sys.libg.GridSheet.java GridSheet enhancements.
502427-1 nxm.sys.libg.MColor.java Mcolor: add more standard SVG colors.
502428-1 nxm.sys.libg.Layer2D.java Layer2d: divide by zero problem.
502563-1 os.dos.nmmake.bat
os.dos.nmclean.bat
Build script needs a "clean" target.

Partially Implemented: Works on Windows, support for Unix is in development.
502674-1 nxm.sys.docs.ReleaseNotes180.html
nxm.sys.exp.sedit.exp
nxm.sys.intr.Sedit.java
nxm.sys.test.test_sedit.mm
NeXtMidas sedit could use nele function.
502677-1   Deprecated message OPEN TEMPLATE.
502686-1 nxm.sys.libg.GridSheet.java
nxm.sys.prim.list.java
LIST: sends DESELECT message on LM click.
502692-1 nxm.sys.host.rmif.for RMIF.FOR problem with adjunct headers.
502748-1 nxm.sys.cfg.commands.cnf
nxm.sys.docs.ReleaseNotes180.html
nxm.sys.exp.sedit.exp
nxm.sys.intr.Sedit.java
nxm.sys.lib.Args.java
nxm.sys.test.test_sedit.mm
SEDIT ability to perform multiple operations per line.
502750-1 nxm/sys/lib/Results.java Would like to be able to do INLINE SEDITs.
502787-1 nxm.sys.test.test_list.mm
nxm.sys.prim.list.java
nxm.sys.libg.GridSheet.jav
LIST: enhance row/col set colors to take fg or bg or BOTH.
502915-1 nxm.sys.intr.Fname.java
nxm.sys.test.test_fname.mm
FNAME problem with single-character result name.
502930-1 nxm.sys.libg.Layer2D.java SD360: exception when FFT size changed quickly.
502932-1 nxm.sys.exp.noop.exp
nxm.sys.prim.noop.java
NOOP: Please enhance for better rate control.
502933-1 nxm.sys.intr.Help.java HELP needs HELP.
Improved link generation.
Updated links in 22 Help/Explain files in the SYS tree.
502953-1 nxm.sys.mcr.forall.mm
nxm.sys.exp.run.exp
nxm.sys.intr.Run.java
nxm.sys.test.test_run_assist.mm
nxm.sys.test.test_run.mm
nxm.sys.cfg.commands.cnf
nxm.sys.test.test_forall.mm
nxm.sys.test.test_config.tbl
FORALL command does not work as stated in explain file. Added /GLOBAL and /PARENT switches to RUN that lets a command run using an alternate results set.
502998-1 nxm.sys.net.datagramdata.java ELCC: Enhancement to sourcedg/datagramdata to skip data.
503775-1 nxm.sys.libg.MPlot.java AddFeatures(Table) method requested to be added to baseline.
503776-1 nxm.sys.intr.Call.java
nxm.sys.test.test_call.mm
Invalid procedure names are not reported to user.
503081-1 nxm.sys.libg.GMenu.java CHOICE widget not returning default entered.
503634-1 nxm.sys.lib.NTerminal.c nM> prompt shows up twice on Windows
503635-1 nxm.sys.intr.Find.java FIND confidence test fails on Windows
503640-1 nxm.sys.intr.Generate.java GENERATE: Add inc to the list of extensions in the jar list.
504030-1 nxm.sys.libg.MFrame.java Memory leak in Mframe while running graphics primitives.
Removed dispose method.
Added an InputContext class variable and assign it in the constructor.
Implemented a public method getInputContext.
504088-1 nxm.sys.intr.Help.java HELP window does not display on Windows.
504089-1 nxm.sys.cfg.build.props
nxm.sys.intr.Help.java
nxm.sys.lib.Build.java
Search on NM help.
504090-1 nxm.sys.intr.Calculator.java
nxm.sys.test.test_calculator.mm
NeXtMidas calculator error.
504091-1 nxm.sys.prim.fcalculator.java
nxm.sys.test.test_fcalculator.mm
NeXtMidas calculator command error.
504094-1 nxm.sys.lib.Foreign.java
nxm.sys.lib.Shell.java
nxm.sys.lib.Terminal.java
nxm.sys.libg.GTerminal.java
nxm.sys.libg.MPlot.java
nxm.sys.prim.shellgui.java
SHELLGUI window closes.
504095-1   TEXTDISPLAY window won't close.
504096-1 nxm.sys.prim.datalist.java
nxm.sys.lib.DataFile.java
nxm.sys.lib.BaseFile.java
nxm.sys.lib.BaseFile error.
504097-1 nxm.sys.lib.Args.java nxm.sys.lib.Args error.
504098-1 nxm.sys.test.test_results.mm
nxm.sys.lib.Args.java
Stack trace when processing caret with an unmatched curly-brace.
Modified Args to print error message when there is a syntax error in a caret expression.
504133-1 nxm.sys.inc.DataTypes.java Min/Max constants incorrect.
504134-1 nxm.sys.lib.Util.java nxm.sys.lib.Util: Join method creates extraneous StringBuffer(s)
504135-1 n/a Util class method isWhiteSpace should use JDK 1.4 method
Closed non-discrepant because we have to support JDK 1.1
504136-1 n/a Util class method isWhiteSpace should use JDK 1.4 method
Closed non-discrepant because we have to support JDK 1.1
504137-1 nxm.sys.lib.Util.Java Util getTime method should be static or removed
504818-1 nxm.sys.libg.GridSheet.java ELCC: List enhancement request.
504969-1 nxm.sys.test.test_foreach.mm
nxm.sys.intr.Foreach.java
nxm.sys.exp.foreach.exp
FOREACH needs to be able to iterate for key VALUE.
Added new INTABLE/V function to iterate over VALUES in a table instead of KEYS in a table.
505193-1 nxm.sys.lib.Build.java
nxm.sys.intr.Help.java
JavaDoc files overwritten on make/build.
Modified to build JavaDoc files for each tree individually.
505194-1 nxm.sys.mcr.make.mm
nxm.sys.exp.make.exp
nxm.sys.mcr.buildopt.mm
nxm.sys.exp.buildopt.exp
nxm.sys.cfg.commands.cnf
MAKE needs enhancement to only build source code.
505448-1 nxm.sys.net.HSource.java
nxm.sys.net.HPage.java
Improvements to HSource and HPage.
505451-1 nxm.sys.lib.KeyObject.java Invoke can not handle Java long (Midas X) types.
505535-1 nxm.sys.libg.GMenu.java
nxm.sys.intr.Gcontrol.java
nxm.sys.exp.gcontrol.exp
Need way to show or not show the state of a button regardless of default item. If a button group has no default item selected, it is assumed that the state is not shown (not displayed as pressed when selected). Want to be able to choose state independent of default item.
505538-1 nxm.sys.prim.list.java LIST throws null pointer exception when coming up without a file input.
505560-1 nxm.sys.lib.Parser.java SEDIT ELEM function does not work with colon (:) delimiter.
505684-1 nxm.sys.lib.KeyObject.java
nxm.sys.intr.Invoke.java
nxm.sys.exp.invoke.exp
nxm.sys.test.test_invoke.mm
INVOKE does not work with quotes around comma separated string
Fix in KeyObject. Tests added to test_invoke. Updated INVOKE explain file.
505596-1 nxm.sys.test.test_results.mm
nxm.sys.lib.Convert.java
nxm.sys.lib.DataFile.java
nxm.sys.inc.DataTypes.java
nxm.sys.lib.Data.java
nxm.sys.lib.Convert.java
nxm.sys.lib.Args.java
Need support for eXtra long (64-bit) integer type.

Partially Implemented: Use of X: is supported in the results table and within macros, support for use by native methods and files is in development.
505748-1 nxm.sys.libg.GWidget.java Dialog box throws NullPointerException on close.
(Back to Release Notes Summary)